1st Annual Fr. Rick Gantert Memorial
4 Mile Run/Walk
Home Awards & Finish Line Contact   Fr. Rick Race Details  Race
 Location		  Sign Up Sponsorship Volunteers

February 16, 2006

My Dear Brothers and Sisters,

I know it’s been quite a while since I’ve actually written but hopefully between writings, Terry and the parish staff have kept you up to date. It’s such a day to day struggle that I never have any hard and fast news to tell. . . except that it’s been more than I ever would have imagined. Keep praying!

Here, though, is why I write today. As you know I was so very fortunate to be able to celebrate the Eucharist with my family on Sundays and the Holy Days. It was such a joy and strength. Then when the "GVHD" hit so hard all that stopped since I couldn’t eat or drink anything. The "fasting" began officially on the 30th of January.

I missed the Eucharist so much and even more missed the prayer with my family. Then, this past Saturday, with my brother Tom and sisters Barb and Steph here with me, I asked them to pray the rosary with me. They quickly joined in and now we pray the rosary together each day at 4:00 p.m. (3:00 p.m. Memphis time) How surprised was I when Cathy Weirich told Steph to look on the parish website and see what the parish was doing. I couldn’t believe my eyes! Without consulting with each other we chose the same time to unite our hearts and prayers . . . spirits and souls. The rosaries I have prayed since then have been the richest and most serene I have ever prayed. You are truly my strength and my joy.

As far as what tomorrow brings . . .well, that’s still in God’s hands (and his able assistants up here) . . . keep up the prayers. Know that you are always in my heart and prayers. Until then . . .

Peace,

Fr. Rick

PS: Today, February 16th, I’m being discharged to my apartment. I’m still on an ice-chip only diet for the next couple of days and then start on the clear liquids....but it’s progress (I think!).

I also received the GIANT VALENTINES and want to greatly THANK Sarah Riley, who I understand initiated this, and to THANK everybody who signed and wrote notes. The valentines, along with all your cards and notes you continue to send me, mean so much to me. My love to everybody!